Sikh - tell me more
Facts and information
A Sikh is someone who believes in:
- One Immortal Being God.
- The 10 Gurus from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh.
- The Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh Scriptures).
- The initiation into the Khalsa started by Guru Gobind Singh.
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Their understanding of god
Sikhs believe there is one God, there is no Sikh, Muslim or Christian God, there is one God. People have given God many names like Ram, Waheguru, Har, Nirankar and Allah. Sikhs believe that God is there for all people, irrespective of their religion, colour, or caste.
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How it began
Sikhism began in the Punjab, around 540 years ago. It was started by Guru Nanak.
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About worship
The Sikh places of worship are called Gurdwaras.
Sikhs have three duties:
- Keep God in mind at all times (nam japna)
- Earn an honest living (kirt karna)
- Give to charity and care for others (vand chhakna)
Sikhs who have been initiated in the order of the Khalsa have to wear these 5 things everyday:
- Kesh – uncut, unshaven, untrimmed hairwhich all men and some women wear covered by a turban.
- Kangha – a small wooden comb, which they must keep in their hair always
- Kara – a steel bracelet on the right wrist
- Kacchera – cotton boxer shorts
- Kirpan – a short sword
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How many people believe in this faith?
Sikhism is Britain’s 3rd most popular religion. There are around 500,000 Sikhs in the UK. There are just less than 700 Sikhs in Tower Hamlets.
There are around 25 million Sikhs in the world.
Most Sikhs live in the state of Punjab in India.
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| Diet
Many Sikhs are vegetarian and do not eat meat, poultry, fish or eggs. Sikhs must not eat meat that has been ritually slaughtered, or take tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.
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